CDC Urges Federal, State, and Local Jurisdictions to Prepare for Zika

Experts and officials from all parts of the country converged last Friday for the Zika Summit, held at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on April 1^st. 2,500 others who were unable to attend the one-day summit meeting watched a live feed of the discussions online on Friday.

Here’s what we know…

As predicted, the CDC urged for a collaborative effort between federal and local jurisdictions, by encouraging appointed representatives at city, county, and state level to help develop and action response plans in each of their respective areas. Zika virus continues to remain a serious threat for many parts of the U.S., including Washington D.C.

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), a division of the CDC, called for more in depth research between Zika virus and microcephaly—a condition that causes abnormal development in brain tissue among inflicted infants. The center seeks to implement testing sites for pregnant women in areas affected by the Zika virus, in an effort to study the disease and its ties to birth defects.

Representatives also stated that some U.S. states were more prepared than others to handle an outbreak. States that already have mosquito control programs in place have seen as much as an 80 to 90 per cent reduction in mosquito populations, as a result of ongoing treatments.

Another central concern is the rapid potential growth of mosquito populations, and the necessity to have a plan of action in place, instead of scrambling for a solution once an outbreak occurs. Mosquito populations can double at an alarming rate within days, and weeks. City and county representatives will be tasked with developing programs, or hiring professional pest control assistance to adopt spray programs within their jurisdictions.

How concerned are we?

Zika virus remains a top concern at American Pest—for good reason—but we’re not panicked. The mid-atlantic region should be just as concerned as any other part of the country. Vector-borne illnesses aren’t new to us—they are just getting a lot more attention in recent months. Here at American Pest, we’ve been working with organizations to provide mosquito surveillance for West Nile Virus for several years, and we can expect to do the same for Zika. Rest assured we have the right people collaborating with us to keep you and your family safe.

What we think you should do…

We encourage you to do what you feel is best for your family, and if that means just talking it over with one of our pest control professionals, feel free to contact us. We have experienced individuals available to address your questions and specific circumstances, and who can help to determine whether pest control for mosquitoes is a viable option for you.  

What if I’m pregnant?

There is much to be learned about Zika and its overall effect on human health, but when pregnancy is concerned, why risk it? If you are pregnant or planning to add on to your family in the near future, it may be a good idea for you to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, in any capacity. We can help with this.